Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease it lightly with butter or cooking oil.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, applesauce, egg, melted butter or cooking oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Make the topping: In a saute pan over medium heat melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and apples. Cook until tender then set aside.
Ladle portions of the pancake batter onto the preheated griddle to make pancakes of your desired size. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges begin to look slightly dry, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep them warm while you finish cooking the remaining pancakes.
Pour milk into glasses.
Serve the pancakes topped with apples alongside the sausage patties. Enjoy with a glass of milk.